Camera with vibration detection and correction units with overriding shutter release

ABSTRACT

A camera having a vibration detection unit to detect the amount of vibration of a camera body and a vibration correction unit to compensate for the amount of vibration detected. The vibration detection unit requires a predetermined amount of time to determine the amount of vibration. If a user desires to take a photograph before the completion of the predetermined amount of time, the photograph will be taken without operation of the vibration correction unit. If the user desires to take a photograph after the completion of the predetermined amount of time, the vibration correction unit corrects for the vibration and, then, the photograph is taken. In addition, while the vibration correction unit is determining the amount of vibration, a display lamp blinks (a first state) and once the vibration detection unit has completed its performance, the display lamp continuously shines (a second state). Further, an indication may be given that the amount of vibration that has been determined is above a maximum value, thereby making the user aware that upper compensation of the vibration is not possible.

This is a continuation-in-part application of pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/337,370 filed Nov. 8, 1994.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a camera having a vibration detectionunit and a vibration correcting unit which corrects for the vibration ofa camera under certain circumstances such that image vibration (theblurring of an image on an image plane) does not occur, and moreparticularly, to a camera which compensates for vibration of the cameraand displays various states of the camera prior to the taking of aphotograph and method of using the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

Cameras are known which have a vibration detection unit for detecting anamount of vibration of a camera body, the vibration detection unit beingstarted by the operation of a half depression of a release button. Dueto the operation and mechanism of the vibration detection unit, apredetermined time is required for reaching a predetermined performance,such as detecting the amount of vibration of the camera body.

One problem that occurs is that because the release action is performedafter the vibration detection, a chance of taking a photograph may bemissed before the vibration detection unit reaches the predeterminedperformance, and the ability to take snapshots is limited as a result.

In these known cameras, after the predetermined time has elapsed, a lamp(LED) close to the viewfinder window on a back surface of the camerabody blinks or shines as a warning display.

However, a problem that occurs with these known cameras is that duringthe interval up until the predetermined time, the lamp does not blink orcontinuously shine and the photographer has the misconception that avibration state of the camera body is small and correctable. After thepredetermined time has elapsed, the lamp blinks or shines and anerroneous photographic action is performed, and as a result, there is anapprehension that photography would be performed in a state wherevibration correction is impossible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, takes into account the abovementioned problems,and accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide acamera with vibration detection and correction units, the camera havinga superior ability to take snapshots, wherein the chance of taking aphotograph is not missed. The camera can take snapshots even before thevibration detection unit reaches the predetermined performance.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a camera withvibration detection and correction units, wherein a display indicateswhen vibration correction is possible so that the photographer does noterroneously take photographs for which vibration correction isimpossible.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and, in part, will be obviousfrom the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

The foregoing objects of the present invention are achieved by a camerahaving a vibration detection unit which is started by a first operationand which, after a predetermined time has elapsed, reaches apredetermined performance and detects the amount of vibration of acamera body of the camera, and a vibration correction unit forcorrecting the vibration determined by the vibration detection unit.

In such a camera, before the vibration detection unit reaches thepredetermined performance, a release action, resulting in a photographbeing taken, is immediately performed when a second operation isperformed.

The vibration detection unit is started by the first operation which,for example, is a half depression of a release button. When a secondoperation, for example, a full depression of the release button, isperformed before the vibration detection unit has reached apredetermined performance, the release action is immediately performed,and the chances of taking photographs are not missed. In addition,snapshot performance can also be excellent.

The embodiments of the present invention, however, are not limited to ahalf depression of the release button as the first operation, and a fulldepression of the release button as the second operation.

The above objects of the present invention are further achieved by acamera having a vibration detection unit, such as a sensor contained ina lens, for detecting an amount of vibration of the camera body, adetection control unit, containing an operating member, for starting thevibration detection unit via the operation of the operating member, anda display control unit including a display unit. When the vibrationdetection unit begins detecting the amount of vibration of the camerabody, the display control unit causes the display unit to display afirst state and when the vibration detection unit detects vibrationsmaller than a predetermined amount, the display control unit causes thedisplay unit to display a second state different than the first state.

After the vibration detection unit begins detecting the amount ofvibration of the camera body, the display control unit causes thedisplay unit to display a first state such that the photographer,confirming the first state, can avoid taking a photograph at this time.After the predetermined time has elapsed, the display control unitcauses the display unit to display the second state when the detectedvibration amount is smaller than a predetermined amount. As a result,the photographer can judge that the vibration amount is within a rangewhich can be corrected by the camera and thus can perform photography.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent and more readily appreciated from the following description ofthe preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings of which:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing an internal structure of a cameraaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a portion of the camera according tothe first embodiment of the present invention, showing details of adisplay unit.

FIG. 1C is a partial cross-sectional view showing the location of thedisplay unit of FIG. 1B with respect to a camera body of the cameraaccording to the embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an action sequence of the CPU 2 in FIG.1A in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the action sequence of the CPU 2 in FIG.1A in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the action sequence of the CPU 2 in FIG.1A in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the action sequence of the CPU 2 in FIG.1A in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a flow chart showing the action sequence of the CPU 2 in FIG.1A in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a flow chart showing the action sequence subsequent to stepS98 in FIG. 6A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustratedin the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals referredto like elements throughout.

FIG. 1A is a block diagram showing an internal structure of a cameraaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. By a halfdepression operation of a release button on the camera body, not shownin the drawing, a half depression switch SW1 is set ON, and a CPU 2causes vibration detection unit I to begin operation and after apredetermined time has elapsed, the vibration detection unit 1 reaches apredetermined performance, determining an amount of vibration of thecamera body.

Display unit 3 is a green lamp within the viewfinder. Through an outputsignal of the vibration detection unit 1, the CPU 2 causes the lamp 3 toeither blink or shine continuously. By performing a half depression ofthe release button (initiation unit), the CPU 2 starts the operation ofthe vibration detection unit 1, and in addition, causes the lamp 3 toblink in a first state. After the predetermined time has elapsed, thevibration detection unit 1 detects the vibration amount of the camerabody and, in addition, the CPU 2 causes the lamp 3 to shine continuouslyin a second state. The photographer can determine whether or notconditions are suitable for photography based on the blinking or shiningof the lamp 3.

Moreover, the display unit may not be a green lamp within theviewfinder, but instead, may be a lamp arranged on a back surface of thecamera body and located close to the viewfinder window.

Switch SW2 is set ON by a full depression of the release button, and theCPU 2 instructs vibration correction unit 4 to make a correctionaccording to the detection (vibration amount) of the vibration detectionunit 1. The vibration correction unit 4 drives a drive system 5 of oneportion of the photographic optical system L 1, shifting the one portionof the photographic system L1 in an upward or downward direction, and bythis drive, correction is performed of the blur of the image on theimage plane, the blur being caused by vibration of the camera body.

Rangefinder unit 6 and photometry unit 7 are well known. By the halfdepression operation of the release button, the CPU 2 causes therangefinder unit 6 and the photometry unit 7 to start operation, and dueto this start, the rangefinding unit 6 and the photometry unit 7 carryout rangefinding and photometry, respectively.

According to the output signal (rangefinding result) of the rangefinderunit 6, the CPU 2 instructs the focusing control unit 8 to performautofocusing (automatic focusing). Based upon this instruction, thefocusing control unit 8, via a drive system 9 of a focus optical systemL2, drives the focusing optical system L2 and, as a result, autofocus isperformed.

According to an output signal (photometric result) of the photometryunit 7, the CPU 2 instructs exposure control unit 10 to control a stopcorresponding to a stop value, and by this instruction, the exposurecontrol unit 10 controls the driving of a stop member 11, therebyperforming exposure control.

FIGS. 1B and 1C show the display unit 3 of the camera according to afirst embodiment of the present invention. A viewfinder block 12, of areal image type, is located in an upper part of the camera body 18. Theviewfinder block 12 comprises a light path from the objective lens tothe eyepiece lens. Then, the viewfinder block 12 is covered by a covermember 14 of the camera body 18 and a space portion 15 is formed betweenthe refraction portion 12c of the viewfinder block 12 and the covermember 14.

An eyepiece window 14a, having a rectangular configuration, is formed inthe cover member 14. At one side of the window 14a, a pair of circulardisplay windows 14b and 14c are formed one above the other at apredetermined spacing. An electrical mounting base plate 15b is locatedat the side of the space portion 15 of the viewfinder block 12. Theelectrical mounting base plate 15b mounts the CPU 2 to and the LEDdriver 15a.

The display unit 3 is located in a downward direction of the electricalmounting base plate 15 and has light-emitting elements 17a and 17b. Thelead wires 17c of the light-emitting elements 17a and 17b are directlyconnected to the base plate 15b.

The light-emitting element 17a indicates a charging state of anelectronic flash device. The light-emitting element 17b indicates astate of vibration of the camera body 18. The light-emitting elements17a and 17b are inside the camera body 18 and also are respectivelylocated in positions corresponding to the pair of display windows 14band 14c.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an operational or action sequence of the CPU 2in FIG. 1A according to a first embodiment of the invention. The actionof the structure of FIG. 1A now will be described with reference to FIG.2. Firstly, in the state in which the power supply switch of the camerabody 18 has been set ON, when the release button is half depressed,switch SW1 is set ON. The CPU advances from step S1 in FIG. 2 to stepS2, where the rangefinder unit 6 and photometry unit 7 are caused tostart, and rangefinding and photometry are performed due to this start.

Next, proceeding to step S3, the CPU 2 causes starting of the vibrationdetection unit 1. Proceeding to step S4, the CPU 2 counts the time fromthe start of operation of the vibration detection unit 1 until apredetermined time. In step S5, the CPU 2 causes the lamp 3 to blink ina first state and next, proceeding to step S6, checks whether or not therelease button has been fully depressed.

In step S6, when the operation of full depression of the release buttonhas been performed, the full depression switch SW2 is set ON, and theCPU 2 proceeds to step S110. In step S110, the vibration correctionaction remains unperformed and, based on the result of the rangefinding,the CPU 2 issues an instruction for autofocusing to the focusing controlunit 8, performs autofocusing by the focusing control of the focusoptical system L2, and proceeds to step S15. In step S15, based on theresult of the photometry, the CPU 2 issues another instruction to theexposure control unit 10. The release action is commenced by exposurecontrol of the stop member 11 due to the exposure control unit 10. As aresult of the release action, a photograph is taken.

In this case, because the full depression switch becomes ON before thevibration detection unit I completes the predetermined performance, theCPU 2 does not actuate the vibration correction unit 4 or the drivesystem 5. Based on the fact that the detection unit 1 has not completedthe detection of the vibration, the vibration correction unit 4 and thedrive system 5 do not act. Therefore, the action of the vibrationdetection unit 1, the vibration correction unit 4 or the drive system 5,does not lead to adverse effects on the taking of a photograph.

When the release action is complete, the CPU 2 proceeds to step S16. Instep S16, the CPU 2 causes inhibition of the action of the vibrationdetection unit 1, and proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the lamp 3 isextinguished in response to an instruction from the CPU 2. After this,the CPU 2 ends its action.

If, in the time following the half depression operation there is no fulldepression of the release button, then the CPU 2 proceeds from step S6to step S7, and the CPU 2 determines whether or not the time count haselapsed a predetermined time. If the predetermined time has not beenreached, the CPU 2 repeats steps S6 and S7 until it has been reached.

Furthermore, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the vibrationdetection unit 1 reaches the predetermined performance and detects thevibration amount of the camera body 18. In addition, the CPU 2,proceeding to step S8, causes the lamp 3 to shine continuously in asecond state. During this shining, proceeding to step S9, the CPU 2instructs the vibration correction unit 4 to perform vibrationcorrection based on the detected vibration amount of the camera body 18,wherein the blur correction unit 4 controls the drive system 5 to driveone portion of the photographic optical system L1. The drive system 5shifts the one portion of the optical system L1 in an upward or downwarddirection, thereby causing the photographic optical system L1 to correctblur of the image on the image plane.

During this correction, when the half depression operation of therelease button is cancelled, the half depression switch SW1 is set OFF,and the CPU 2 proceeds from step S10 to step S13. In step S13,inhibition is caused of the action of the vibration detection unit 1 andthe vibration correction unit 4. Due to this inhibition, the vibrationcorrection drive and the detection of the amount of vibration areinhibited, and the routine proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the lamp 3is extinguished by the instructions from the CPU 2, after which, theaction of the CPU 2 ends.

Moreover, in step S10, when the half depression switch SW1 is ON, theCPU 2 proceeds to step S11. In step S11, it is determined whether or notthe full depression switch SW2 has been set ON. When the full depressionswitch SW2 has not been set ON, the action is to repeat step S10 andstep S11.

In step S11, when the full depression switch SW2 has been set ON, therouting proceeds to step S120. In step S120, based on the result of therangefinding, the CPU issues an instruction to the focusing control unit8 for autofocusing, and autofocusing is performed by the focusingcontrol of the focus optical system L2, and the routing proceeds to stepS12. In step S12, based on the result of the photometry, the CPU 2issues an instruction to exposure control unit 10. Due to the exposurecontrol of the stop member 11 by the exposure control unit 10, therelease action is commenced. The taking of a photograph is performed bythis action, after which, the CPU 2 proceeds to step S13. In step S13,similar to the above, the action of the vibration detection unit 1 andof the vibration correction unit 4 is inhibited. Due to this inhibition,the drive of the vibration correction and the detection of the vibrationamount are inhibited, and the routine proceeds to step S14. In step S14,the lamp 3 is extinguished by an instruction of the CPU 2, and afterthis, the action of the CPU 2 ends.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the operational or action sequence of the CPU2 in FIG. 1A according to a second embodiment of the invention. Firstly,in response to the half depression switch SW1 being set ON by theoperation of a half depression of the camera release button, similar tothe first embodiment, the CPU 2 proceeds from the step S21 to step S22,causing the rangefinder unit 6 and the photometry unit 7 to startoperation. Photometry and rangefinding operations are then performed.

The CPU 2 proceeds from step S22 to step S221. In step S221, it isdetermined whether or not the full depression switch SW2 has been setON. When the full depression switch SW2 has been set ON, the CPU 2proceeds to step S230. In step S230, based on the result of therangefinding, the CPU 2 issues instructions for autofocusing by thefocusing control unit 8, wherein the autofocusing is performed by thefocusing control of the focusing optical system L2, and the routineproceeds to step S222. In step S222, based on the result of thephotometry, the CPU 2 commences the release action by exposure controlof the stop member 11 due to the exposure control unit 10. As a result,the taking of a photograph is performed, after which the action of theCPU 2 ends.

When the full depression operation is not performed, the CPU 2 proceedsfrom step S221 to step S23, causing the start of operation of thevibration detection unit 1. Next, proceeding to step S24, the CPU 2counts the time and, in parallel with this count, proceeding to stepS25, causes the lamp 3 to blink in a first state. Proceeding to stepS26, the CPU 2 checks whether or not the release button has been fullydepressed.

In step S26, when the full depression switch SW2 is ON, the CPU 2proceeds to step S261. In step S261, the CPU 2 inhibits the action ofthe vibration detection unit 1, and proceeds to step S240. In step S240,based on the result of the rangefinding, the CPU 2 issues instructionsfor autofocusing to the focusing control unit 8, and autofocusing isperformed due to the focusing control of the focusing optical system L2.The routine then proceeds to step S262. In step S262, based on theresult of the photometry, the CPU 2 instructs action by the exposurecontrol unit 10, and the release action is commenced due to exposurecontrol of the stop member 11 by the exposure control unit 10. As aresult, a photograph is taken and, after this, the CPU 2 proceeds tostep S34. In step S34, the lamp 3 is extinguished due to instructionsfrom the CPU 2, after which the action of the CPU 2 ends. It should benoted that the inhibiting action of the vibration detection unit 1, thefocusing and the shutter release (steps S261, S240 and S262), may beperformed in the order shown in FIG. 2 (steps S110, S15 and S16).

When the release button is not fully depressed in step S26, i.e., thefull depression switch SW1 is OFF and the time count has not reached thepredetermined time, the CPU 2 acts to repeat steps S26 and S27.Furthermore, when the predetermined time has been reached in step S27,because the vibration detection unit 1 has reached the predeterminedperformance, it has detected the vibration amount of the camera body 18,and the CPU 2 proceeds to step S28. In step S28, the CPU 2 causes thelamp 3 to shine continuously in a second state, and next proceeds tostep S29. In step S29, the CPU 2, based on the vibration amount of thevibration detection, instructs the driving of the vibration correctionby the vibration correction unit 4. The vibration correction unit 4controls the drive system 5 of one portion of the optical system L1 todrive the one portion of the optical system L1 in an up and downdirection. Due to this drive, correction is performed of the blur of theimage on the image plane.

During this image vibration correction, when the half depressionoperation of the release button is cancelled, the half depression switchis set OFF, and the CPU 2 proceeds from step S30 to step S33. In stepS33, the CPU 2 inhibits the action of the vibration detection unit 1 andthe vibration correction unit 4, and next proceeds to step S34. In stepS34, the lamp 3 is extinguished by an instruction from the CPU 2, andafter this, the action of the CPU 2 ends.

Moreover, in step S30, when the half depression switch SW1 is ON, theCPU 2 proceeds to step S31. In step S31, it is determined whether or notthe full depression switch SW2 is set ON. When the full depressionswitch SW2 is OFF, the CPU 2 repeats steps S30 and S31. In step S31,when the full depression switch SW2 is ON, the routine proceeds to stepS250. In step S250, the CPU 2 issues an instruction for autofocus to thefocusing control unit 8, and autofocusing is performed by the focusingcontrol of the focus optical system L2, and the routine proceeds to stepS32. In step S32, based on the result of the photometry, the CPU 2instructs action by the exposure control unit 10, and the release actionis commenced by exposure control of the stop member 11 due to theexposure control unit 10. The taking of a photograph is then performedby this action, after which, the CPU 2 proceeds to step S33. In stepS33, the drive of the vibration correction unit 4 and the vibrationdetection unit I is inhibited, and the routine proceeds to step S34. Instep S34, the lamp 3 is extinguished by an instruction from the CPU 2,and after this, the action of the CPU 2 ends.

In the first and second embodiments, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,respectively, of the action sequence of the CPU 2, it is described thatthe vibration detection unit 1 is started by operation of a halfdepression of the release button. However, the first operation, insteadof being the half depression of the release button may, for example, bethe movement of a power supply switch of the camera body 18 to the ONposition. By switching ON the switch SW1 of FIG. 1A in this fashion, theCPU 2 acts similar to step S2 and thereafter in FIG. 2 or step S22 andthereafter in FIG. 3, step S6 or step S11 in FIG. 2, or step S221, stepS26 or step S31 of FIG. 3. The release action can still be performed bythe operation of a full depression of the release button as a secondoperation.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart, showing the operational or action sequence ofthe CPU 2 according to a third embodiment. In this embodiment, similarto the first and second embodiments, after the camera body 18 powersupply switch is first switched ON, through an initial half depressionoperation of the release button, the half depression switch SW1 is setON, and the CPU proceeds from step S41 to step S42. In step S42, the CPU2 starts the rangefinder unit 6 and the photometry unit 7 and, as aresult, rangefinding and photometry are performed. Furthermore, a flag Fis set to 0, and the CPU 2 proceeds to step S43. In step S43, the CPU 2starts the vibration detection unit 1, and proceeds to step S44. In stepS44, the count of a timer A starts and the process proceeds to step S45during this count. In step S45, the CPU 2 causes the lamp 3 to blink ina first state, and proceeds to step S451. In step S451, a check is madeas to whether or not the release button has been fully depressed. Here,when the release button has not been fully depressed and the halfdepression operation continues, the routine proceeds from step S451 tostep S452, the CPU 2 sets the flag F from 0 to 1, and proceeds to stepS46.

Moreover, in step S451, when the release button is fully depressed whilethe half release operation continues, the full depression switch SW2becomes ON, and the routine proceeds from step S451 to step S46. In stepS46, the CPU 2 determines whether or not the count of the timer A hasreached its predetermined time. If this has not been reached, the CPU 2repeats step S46. Here, when the count of the timer A has reached thepredetermined time, the amount of vibration of the camera body 18 hasbeen accurately determined, the vibration detection unit reaches apredetermined performance, and vibration correction is possible. Then,the CPU 2 proceeds to step S461. In step S461, after the count of thetimer A has stopped, the count of the timer A is reset, and the CPU 2proceeds to step S47. In step S47, the CPU 2 causes the lamp 3 to shinecontinuously in a second state, and during this lighting, proceeds tostep S481. In step S481, it is determined whether or not the flag Fis 1. When the flag F is not 1, the routine proceeds to step S484.Moreover in step S481, when the flag F is 1, the routine proceeds tostep S482. In step S482, it is determined whether or not the halfdepression switch SW1 is ON. When the half depression switch SW1 is ON,the routine proceeds to step S484. Moreover in step S482, when the halfdepression switch SW1 is OFF, the routine proceeds to step S4821. Instep S4821, the CPU 2 determines whether or not the count of a timer Bhas started, and if it has not started, the CPU 2 proceeds to stepS4823. In step S4823, the count of the timer B is started, and the CPU 2proceeds to step S4824.

In step S4821, in the case that the count of the timer B has started,the CPU 2 proceeds to step S4822. In step S4822, the CPU 2 determineswhether or not the timer B has reached its predetermined time, and if ithas reached its predetermined time, the CPU 2 proceeds to step S511. Instep S511, vibration detection is stopped, and the CPU 2 proceeds tostep S52. In step S52, according to an instruction from the CPU 2, thelamp 3 is extinguished, and after this, the action of the CPU 2 ends.After the count of the timer A has reached its predetermined time, inthe case that the photographer has discontinued the operation (halfdepression switch SW1 having been ON) of half depression of the releasebutton, or after the count of the timer A has reached its predeterminedtime, the half depression operation is continued, and the photographerdoes not perform the full depression operation (full depression SW2 isON), until the count of the timer B reaches its predetermined time, theoperations of photometry, rangefinding, and vibration detection arecontinuously performed. Then, when the count of the timer B reaches itspredetermined time, photometry, rangefinding and vibration detectionstop, and the operation of the CPU 2 stops.

In this manner, in the case that the operation of full depression is notperformed in the time until the count of the timer B reaches itspredetermined time, because the CPU 2 stops operation, wasteful powerconsumption is prevented.

In step S4822, in the case that its predetermined time has not beenreached by the timer B, the CPU 2 proceeds to step S4824. In step S4824,the CPU 2 brings about restarting of the rangefinder unit 6 and thephotometry unit 7, thereby starting rangefinding and photometry,respectively. The CPU 2 then proceeds to step S482.

In step S484, it is determined whether or not the full depression switchSW2 is ON. When the full depression switch SW2 is ON, the routineproceeds to step S4841. In step S4841, the CPU 2 causes the count of thetimer B to stop and resets the count of the timer B. In step S4842, thevibration correction drive is commenced, and the vibration correctionunit 4 drives the drive system 5 of one portion of the photographicoptical system L1, causing the one portion of the photographic opticalsystem L1 to shift in an up and down direction. By this shifting,correction is performed of the image blur on the image plane and the CPU2 proceeds to step S49.

In step S484, in the case that the full depression switch SW2 is OFF,the CPU 2 proceeds to step S4821. Namely, by the loop of step S4821through step S4824 and step S484, until the full depression switch SW2is set ON, the operations of photometry, rangefinding and vibrationdetection are continually performed.

In step S49, based on the result of the rangefinding, the CPU 2 issuesan instruction for autofocusing to the focusing control unit 8, andautofocusing is performed by the focusing control of the focus opticalsystem L2, and the routine proceeds to step S50. In step S50, the CPU 2,based on the result of the photometry, instructs action by the exposurecontrol of the stop member 11 by the exposure control unit 10. As aresult, the taking of a photograph is performed and, after this, the CPU2 proceeds to step S51. In step S51, the CPU 2 inhibits the operation ofthe vibration correction unit 4, and due to this step, the vibrationcorrection drive is stopped. Namely, the CPU 2 stops the vibrationcorrection process. It then proceeds to step S511, wherein the CPU 2causes the operation of the vibration detection unit 1 to stop, therebystopping the detection of vibration of the camera body 18. Proceeding tostep S52, the lamp 3 is extinguished by an instruction from CPU 2, afterwhich, the action of the CPU 2 ends.

In this manner, as shown in FIG. 4, if the initial half depressionoperation continues and the full depression operation is as alsoperformed, without fail after the passage of time for stabilization ofthe performance of the vibration detection unit 1 (the predeterminedtime counted by timer A), it is possible to take a photograph on whichthe effect of vibration is relatively small. This is because photographyis performed while performing vibration correction, which is based on anaccurately detected amount of vibration.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operational or action sequence of theCPU 2 in accordance with a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment,similar to the third embodiment, the camera body 18 power supply switchis first switched ON. Due to an initial half depression operation of therelease button, the half depression switch SW1 is switched ON, and theCPU proceeds from step S61 to step S62 in FIG. 5. In step S62, the CPU 2starts the rangefinder unit 6 and the photometry unit 7 and, as aresult, rangefinding and photometry are performed. The routine thenproceeds to step S621. In step S621, it is determined whether or not thefull depression switch SW2 is set ON. When the full depression switchSW2 is ON, the routine proceeds to step S622. In step S622, based on theresult of the rangefinding, the CPU 2 issues an instruction forautofocusing to the focusing control unit 8, and autofocusing isperformed by the focusing control of the focus optical system L2, andthe routine proceeds to step S623. In step S623, the CPU 2, based on theresult of the photometry, instructs action by the exposure control unit10, and release action is commenced due to the exposure control of thestop member 11 by the exposure control unit 10. As a result, aphotograph is taken, and after this, the action of the CPU 2 ends.

By performing steps S61 through S623, when the initial operation of halfdepression of the release button continues and the full depressionoperation (full depression switch SW2 is ON) is effected, the vibrationcorrection process is not performed, but it is possible to completephotography.

In step S621, when the full depression switch SW2 is OFF, the CPU 2proceeds to step S63. In step S63, the CPU 2 starts the vibrationdetection unit 1, and proceeds to step S64. In step S64, the CPU 2starts the count of the timer A, and proceeds to step S65 whilecontinuing the count. In step S65, the CPU 2 lights the lamp 3 in afirst state, and proceeds to step S66. In step S66, the CPU 2 determineswhether or not the time count of the timer A has reached itspredetermined time. If this has not been reached, the CPU 2 repeats stepS66. Here, the predetermined time of the timer A sets the time until thevibration detection unit 1 reaches its predetermined performance(completing determination of the vibration of the camera body 18), orthe time until the vibration detection unit 1 reaches the predeterminedperformance plus a small margin. Then, when the time of the count of thetimer A reaches the predetermined time, because the vibration detectionunit 1 has reached a predetermined performance, the detection value ofthe vibration amount of the camera body 18 becomes accurate. At thispoint vibration correction is possible. Then, the CPU 2 proceeds to stepS661, wherein after the count of the timer A has stopped, the count ofthe timer A is reset.

In step S67, the CPU 2 causes the lamp 3 to light in a second state, andduring this lighting, proceeds to step S681. In step S681, it isdetected whether or not the half depression switch SW1 is ON, and whenthis switch is ON, the CPU 2 proceeds to step S683. Moreover, in stepS681, in the case that the half depression switch SW1 is OFF, the CPU 2proceeds to step S6810. In step S6810, in the case that the timer C iscounting, the count of the timer C is stopped and the count is thenreset. Here, the timer C is a timer which is set in step S6833 anddiscussed below. After step S6810, the CPU 2 proceeds to step S6811,wherein the CPU 2 determines whether or not the count of the timer B hasstarted. If the count of the timer B is not started, the CPU 2 proceedsto step S6813, and the count of the timer B is started. The CPU 2 thenproceeds to step S6814.

In step S6811, in the case that the count of the timer B is started, theCPU 2 proceeds to step S6812. In step S6812, the CPU 2 determineswhether or not the timer B has reached its predetermined time, and inthe case that it has reached its predetermined time, the CPU 2 proceedsto step S711. Here, the predetermined time of counter B differsaccording to the performance of the camera, but may be set to a timesimilar to the well known time from when the photographer takes hisfinger off the release button after the operation of half depressing therelease button, until the electric supply of the camera automaticallygoes OFF. This predetermined time is 8 seconds, but may be varied.

Then, in step S711, vibration detection is stopped and the CPU 2proceeds to step S72. Here, in response to an instruction from the CPU2, the lamp 3 is extinguished, and after this, the operation of the CPU2 ends. Similar to the third embodiment, in this embodiment, in the casethat the operation of full depression is not performed in the time untilthe count of the timer B reaches its predetermined time, because the CPU2 stops the action, wasteful electric power consumption is prevented.

In step S6812, in the case that the time of the timer B has not beenreached, the CPU 2 causes the rangefinder unit 6 and the photometry unit7 to restart, and rangefinding and photometry are performed accordingly.The CPU 2 then proceeds to step S681, wherein in the case that the halfdepression switch SW1 is OFF, by the loop of step S681 and stepsS6810-S6814, the count of the timer B reaches the predetermined time.Further, until the CPU 2 proceeds to step S711, the actions ofphotometry, rangefinding and the count of timer B are continuallyperformed. Namely, the CPU 2 waits for the operation of half depressionto be effected while the timer B counts until the predetermined time. Ifthe timer B reaches its predetermined time, without the operation ofhalf depression occurring, then the CPU 2 stops.

In step S681, when the half depression switch SW1 becomes ON before thetimer B reaches its predetermined time, the CPU 2 proceeds to step S683.Here, it is detected whether or not the full depression switch SW2 isON. When the full depression switch SW2 is ON, the CPU 2 proceeds tostep S6840. In step S6840, the CPU 2, in the case that the timers B andC are both counting, causes the count of both timers to stop and resetsthe count of both timers. Then, the CPU 2 proceeds to step S6841.Moreover, in the case that neither timer is counting, the CPU 2 simplyproceeds to step S6841. In the case that either one of the timers B andC are counting, the count of the counting timer is stopped, and thattimer is reset. The CPU 2 then proceeds to step S6841. In step S6841,the CPU 2 commences vibration correction drive, and the vibrationcorrection unit 4 drives the drive system 5 of one portion of thephotographic optical system L1, causing the one portion to be driven inan up and down direction. By this shift drive, the correction of imageblur and image plane is performed, and the CPU 2 proceeds to step S69.In this step, based on the rangefinding results, the CPU 2 emits aninstruction for autofocus (automatic focus) by the focusing control unit8, and autofocus is performed by focusing control of the focus opticalsystem L2. In step S70, the CPU 2, based on the result of thephotometry, instructs the action of the exposure control unit 10, and byexposure control of the stop member 11, shutter release is performed.The taking of a photograph is performed by this action and the CPU 2then proceeds to step S71. Here, the action of the vibration correctionunit 4 is stopped, and through this, the vibration correction drive isstopped. The CPU 2 then proceeds to step S711, wherein it causes theaction of the vibration detection unit I to stop, thereby stoppingdetection of the vibration amount of the camera body 18. Then, the CPU 2proceeds to step S72, extinguishing the lamp 3 through an instruction.The CPU 2 then ends it actions. Namely, when the half depression switchSW1 and the full depression switch SW2 become ON before the timer B hasreached its predetermined time, vibration correction is performed andthe taking of the photograph is carried out.

In step S683, in the case that the full depression switch SW2 is OFF,the CPU 2 proceeds to step S6830. Here, if the timer B is counting, thiscount is stopped and reset. The CPU 2 then proceeds to step S6831,wherein the CPU 2 determines whether or not the count of timer C hasstarted. If it has not started, the count of the timer C is started instep S6833, and the CPU 2 then proceeds to step S6834. In step S6834,the CPU 2 causes the rangefinder unit 6 and the photometry unit 7 torestart, and the CPU 2 proceeds to step S681. The actions in step S681and the following have been discussed above and a description is omittedhere.

In step S6831, in the case that the count of the timer C is started, theCPU 2 proceeds to step S6832, where the CPU 2 determines whether or notthe timer C has reached its predetermined time. In the case that itspredetermined time has been reached, the CPU 2 then proceeds to stepS711. Here, the predetermined time of timer C varies according to theperformance of the camera, but as the time is set beforehand, it ispreferable to be longer than the predetermined time of timer B. In thiscase, the photographer continues the operation of half depressing therelease button. Namely, the photographer carries out photography atwill. For example, in the case that the predetermined time of timer C isset at one second, when the photographer, after exceeding two seconds,presses the release button in order to carry out photography, he cannotcarry out such photography, notwithstanding the fact that the fulldepression switch SW2 is ON, because the CPU 2 has already stopped.Namely, the disadvantage arises in that photography is impossiblebecause the predetermined time of timer C is short. The predeterminedtime of timer C is preferably set to take into account the electricpower consumption of the camera, etc. For example, if the predeterminedtime of timer C is five minutes, in a camera having adequate batterycapacity, the inconveniences such as those mentioned above do not arisein normal photography.

In step S711, the vibration detection is stopped, and the CPU 2 proceedsto step S72, wherein the lamp is extinguished based upon an instructionfrom the CPU 2. After this, the actions of the CPU 2 end. Namely, whenthe timer C reaches its predetermined time, because the CPU 2 stopswhile the half depression operation continues, in comparison with acamera in which the performance of photometry, rangefinding andvibration detection continues, unnecessary consumption of the batterypower is prevented.

In step S6832, in the case as the timer C has not reached itspredetermined time, the CPU 2 proceeds to step S6834. In step S6834, theCPU 2 restarts the rangefinder unit 6 and the photometry unit 7, andrangefinding and photometry are performed accordingly. Then, in stepS681, in the case that the half depression switch SW1 is OFF, the CPU 2proceeds to step S6810. In step S6810, because the timer C is counting,this count is stopped and then timer C is reset. Then in step S6811, theCPU 2 operates, as discussed above, by the loop of step S681 and stepsS6810-S6814 and the loop of the above-mentioned step S683 and stepsS6830-S6834.

Then, the half depression step SW1 and the full depression switch SW2differ according to the conditions in each loop, but among the timer Bor timer C, the CPU 2 stops at the earlier of the two predeterminedtimes which have been reached.

Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the initial half depressionoperation continues, and in the case that the full depression operationis directly performed, the vibration correction process is notperformed, and photography can be completed. Accordingly, chances oftaking a photograph are not lost.

By continuing the initial half depression, and waiting to perform a fulldepression operation until after the time required to stabilize thevibration unit 1, it is possible to perform the vibration correctionprocess based on the accurately detected vibration amount. Therefore,photography is possible with little effect of vibration on thephotograph.

Furthermore, by continuing the initial half depression operation and notcarrying out a full depression operation after a predetermined timesubsequent to the stabilization of the vibration detection unit 1 or inthe case that the half depression operation has been cancelled and thefull depression operation is not performed during the time up to thecount of the timer B reaching its predetermined time, because the actionof the CPU is stopped, unnecessary electric power consumption isprevented.

Still further, by continuing the initial half depression operation, andwaiting for the time to stabilize the vibration detection unit 1, thehalf depression operation and the full depression operation differaccording to the conditions of each loop, within the time which has beenset in each loop, because the operation of the CPU 2 is stopped by meansof the timer which has first reached its predetermined time, therebypreventing unnecessary electric power consumption.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are flow charts showing the operational or actionsequence of the CPU 2 in FIG. 1A in accordance with a fifth embodimentof the present invention. In this embodiment, the detection control unitcomprises the CPU 2, together with the release button or half depressionrelease switch SW1. The display control unit comprises the CPU 2 and thelamp 3.

Firstly, in a state in which the power supply switch of the camera hasbeen set ON, when the release button is half depressed, switch SW1 isset ON in step S81 and the CPU 2 advances in FIG. 6A to step S82. TheCPU 2 checks whether or not the battery has run low.

When the battery is sufficient, proceeding to step S83, the CPU 2 entersthe first state causing the lamp 3 to blink. In step S84, the CPU 2starts the vibration detection unit I and furthermore, in step S85, theCPU 2 starts the rangefinder unit 6 and photometry unit 7, andrangefinding and photometry are performed by the respective rangefinderunit 6 and photometry unit 7.

The CPU 2 proceeds from step S85 to step S86. In step S86, based on theoutput of the rangefinder unit 6, the CPU 2 determines whether or notthe rangefinder result is within the autofocus range Am. When therangefinder result is outside the autofocus range Am, the CPU 2determines that focusing is impossible, and in step S87, causes the lamp3 to be extinguished. In step S88, the CPU 2 determines whether or notthe half depression operation is continuing, thereby waiting forcancellation of the half depression operation of the release button. Inthe case that the half depression operation is continuing, the CPU 2acts to repeat the loop of steps S87 and S288 until the half depressionoperation is discontinued. In the case that the half depression isdiscontinued, the CPU 2 returns to step S81.

In step S86, when the rangefinder result is within the focusing rangeAm, the CPU 2 determines that focusing is possible, and in addition, instep S89, counts the time. During this count, the CPU 2, in step S90,instructs the focusing control unit 8 according to the rangefinderresult, and the focusing control unit 8, via the drive system 9, movesthe focus optical system L2 into a focused position.

The CPU 2 proceeds from step S90 to step S91. In step S91, it isdetermined whether or not the time count has reached the predeterminedtime. If not, the CPU 2 waits until the predetermined time is reached.Moreover, in step S91, when this predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU2 proceeds to step S92. There, when the CPU 2 has counted thepredetermined time, it becomes possible to correctly detect thevibration amount of the camera body 18 based on the results from thevibration detection unit 1. In step S92, the CPU 2 determines whether ornot the half depression operation is continuing. In step S92, in thecase that the half depression operation is discontinued, the CPU returnsto step S91.

In step S92, in the case that the half depression operation iscontinuing, the CPU 2 proceeds to step S93. In step S93, the CPU 2determines whether or not the release button has been fully depressed.In the situation that there is no full depression, the CPU 2 proceeds tostep S94. In step S94, the CPU 2 determines whether or not the amount ofvibration detected by the vibration detection unit 1 is smaller than apredetermined amount B. In the case that the vibration amount is smallerthan the predetermined amount B, the CPU 2 proceeds to step S95, whereinthe lamp 3 is caused to shine continuously in a second state. Then, theCPU 2 returns to step S92. In step S95, when the lamp 3 is in theflashing state (the first state), it changes over from the flashingstate into the continuously shining state. Moreover, as is clearly shownin this flow chart, in the case that the lamp 3 is already in thecontinuously shining state, the continuously shining state is continued.Moreover, in step S94, when the detected vibration amount is not smallerthan the predetermined amount B, namely in the case that the detectedvibration amount is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount B,the CPU 2 proceeds to step S96. In step S96, it is determined whether ornot the lamp 3 is shining continuously. In the case that the lamp 3 isnot in the continuously shining state, namely in the case that the lamp3 is flashing, the CPU 2 returns to step S92. In the case that the lamp3 is continuously shining, the CPU 2 proceeds to step S97. In step S97,the lamp is changed over from the shining state to the flashing stateand the CPU 2 returns to step S92.

When the CPU 2 returns from step S95 to step S92, it is determinedwhether the half depression operation is continuing, and if so, itreturns to step S93. In step S93, in the case that the full depressionhas not been performed, the CPU 2 proceeds to step S94. In the case thatthe detected vibration amount is equal to or greater than thepredetermined amount B, the CPU 2 proceeds from step S94 to step S96. Instep S96, because the lamp is shining continuously, the CPU 2 proceedsto step S97. In step S97, the lamp 3 is changed over from thecontinuously shining state to the flashing state and the CPU 2 returnsto step S92. After this, the CPU 2 acts similar to the above.

As disclosed above, when the vibration amount is smaller than thepredetermined amount B, and while the lamp 3 is shining continuously, bythis full depression operation of the release button, the CPU 2 proceedsfrom step S93 to step S98. After this, proceeding to step S99 in FIG.6B, the CPU 2, according to the detected vibration amount, instructs thevibration correction unit 4 to correct the blur of the image.

By this instruction, the vibration correction unit 4, controlling drivesystem 5, causes a shift of at least a portion of the photographicoptical system L1. The CPU 2 then proceeds to step S100, and accordingto the output (photometric result) of the photometry unit 7, instructsthe exposure control unit 10 to control the stop 11.

Due to this instruction, the exposure control unit 10 controls drivingof the stop member 11 according to a stop value, performing control ofthe exposure. A photograph is then taken by this control. Proceeding tothe next step S101, the CPU 2 instructs the exposure control unit 10 toend exposure control, and furthermore, proceeding to step S102, the CPU2 instructs the vibration correction unit 4 to stop vibrationcorrection. Based on these instructions, the vibration control unit 4stops the drive system 5, and vibration correction is stopped.

After this, proceeding to step S103, the CPU 2 drives the film wind-upmechanism, not shown in the drawing. The winding of one frame of film isperformed by this drive, after which, the CPU 2 ends its actions.

Through the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the halfdepression operation is continuing, the time counted by the CPU 2reaches the predetermined time and the detected vibration amount issmaller than the predetermined amount B, the lamp 3 enters thecontinuously shining state. The photographer confirms this continuouslyshining state of the lamp 3, and carries out the operation of fulldepression of the release button, whereby exposure control of the stopmember 11 and the correction of vibration are performed. As is clearfrom the present embodiment, because the correction of vibration isperformed by other than the normal control of the stop member 11,clearer photographs can be obtained.

In addition, as the present embodiment reveals, when the half depressionoperation is continuing, the CPU 2 has counted the predetermined time,the vibration detection amount is smaller than the predetermined amountB, and also the state focus has been achieved, and when the operation offull depression of the release button is carried out, it may be suchthat only exposure control of the stop member 11 is performed. In thiscase, because the detected vibration amount is smaller than thepredetermined amount B, for example, even if correction of vibration isnot performed, the photographer is able to avoid greatly blurredphotographs.

Moreover, in order for the CPU 2 to count the time, during the blinkingof the lamp 3, the photographer himself can hold the camera securely.Because of this, after the predetermined time has elapsed, the vibrationamount detection unit I can accurately detect the vibration amount.

Furthermore, it was disclosed hereinabove that the vibration detectionunit 1 is started by the half depression operation of the releasebutton. However, the power supply switch of the camera may be used asthe operating member instead of the release button, for example. Bymoving this switch to the ON position, the CPU 2 may be actuated similarto FIG. 6A from step S81 to step S82 and thereafter, in step S93, byfull depression of the release button, the CPU 2 can also be similarlyactuated via step S98 to step S99 in FIG. 6B and thereafter.

Moreover, as an additional embodiment, by eliminating SW2 of FIG. 1A andinterlocking SW1 switch with the operation of full depression of therelease button, by fully depressing the release button, switch SW1 isset ON. CPU 2 acts in a manner similar to that from step S83 in FIG. 6Ato step S92. When the operation of full depression is continued, the CPU2 detects the magnitude of the vibration amount, and while detectingless than the predetermined amount B, by the instructions of the CPU 2,the lamp 3 is caused to shine for an interval of a number of seconds,and when the lamp 3 is extinguished, the CPU 2 can similarly performstep S99 and thereafter the steps of FIG. 6B.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, from step S83 and thereafter, lamp 3 iscaused to blink, by changing over to the interval of a number of secondsof shining as mentioned above, and the photographer himself determinesthat vibration correction is possible. A lamp 3 is disclosed as thedisplay unit, but the display unit is not limited to a lamp. Forexample, in the first state, characters may be displayed in theviewfinder reading "awaiting photography". Or in the second state, thecharacters reading "photo OK" may be displayed in the display unit inthe view finder.

With the first four embodiments of the operation of the CPU 2 of thepresent invention, because release becomes possible even before avibration detection unit has finished a predetermined performance,opportunities for taking photographs are not missed, and the snapshotperformance can become superior. No adverse effects on photographyoccur, before the vibration detection unit has reached the predeterminedperformance during photography, because vibration correction to preventblur of an image on an image plane is not performed.

With the fifth embodiment, through the operation of the operatingmember, when the vibration detection unit is started, because the firststate is also displayed on the display unit, the photographer himselfknows to stop photography, and this can convert a time margin in orderto set up the camera. Furthermore, by the display of the second state,the photographer confirms this display, and can take a photographwithout any bewilderment.

Although a few preferred embodiments of the present invention have beenshown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from theprinciples and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined inthe claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera having a photographic lens unit and animage plane, said camera comprising:a vibration detection unit todetermine an amount of vibration of the camera, and requiring apredetermined time period to make the determination and, as a result,completing a predetermined performance; a vibration correction unit tocorrect for the amount of vibration and remove blur of an image on theimage plane after completion of the predetermined performance; and aninitiation unit to start the determination of the amount of vibration bya first operation and to initiate a taking of a photograph before thecompletion of the predetermined performance by a second operation. 2.The camera as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a display unithaving a first state when the initiation unit performs the firstoperation, and a second state when the predetermined time period haselapsed.
 3. The camera as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first state isa blinking state and the second state is a continuously shining state.4. The camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein the initiation unitcomprises:a release button; and the first operation is a half depressionof the release button and the second operation is a full depression ofthe release button.
 5. The camera as claimed in claim 2, wherein theinitiation unit comprises:a release button; and the first operation is ahalf depression of the release button and the second operation is a fulldepression of the release button.
 6. The camera as claimed in claim 2,wherein the initiation unit comprises:a release button; and the firstoperation is a turning on of the camera and the second operation is afull depression of the release button.
 7. The camera as claimed in claim2, further comprising:a viewfinder to view an object to photograph; andsaid display unit comprising a lamp within said viewfinder.
 8. Thecamera as claimed in claim 2, wherein said display unit comprises a lampvisible from a back surface of the camera.
 9. A method of taking aphotograph with a camera having a vibration detection unit, a vibrationcorrection unit and a photographic lens unit, said methodcomprising:initiating operation of the vibration detection unit to startdetermining an amount of vibration of the camera and simultaneouslydisplaying a first state on a display; counting a predetermined amountof time from the start of operation of the vibration detection unit; andreceiving a photograph taking input from a user, making a firstdetermination whether the photograph taking input is received prior tothe end of the predetermined amount of time, and taking a photographwithout using the vibration correction unit if the first determinationis positive.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 9, further comprising:displaying a second state on the display when the predetermined amountof time has elapsed.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 9, furthercomprising:making a second determination, prior to initiating operationof the vibration detection unit, whether the photograph taking inputfrom the user has been received; and taking the photograph if the seconddetermination is positive.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 9, furthercomprising:displaying a second state on the display when thepredetermined amount of time has elapsed; and continuously performingvibration correction with the vibration correction unit, rangefindingand photometry while displaying the second state until the photographtaking input is received from the user.